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So, my old 661 is too old and has had probably too many knocks to be safe any more, time to replace it. Most of my FF use is places like Antur, Revo and so on, so question; regular FF or invest in something like a switchblade or super 3 which means it might get used more in places like BPW, might be more comfy in the Alps (and give me some welcome additional protection) But significantly more spendy?
Be good to get some thoughts on this. I’m in a similar position. I really don’t like wearing a FF - although I do at Antur but not at BPW. I borrowed a mate’s Bell a couple of years back and it felt a lot less claustrophobic than my 661. Wasn’t convinced by it with the chin guard off tho.
If you aren't pedalling up just go for a regular full face.
I got proframe for Enduro racing and it's great, but prefer my ptlroper full face if doing DH stuff
If you're doing uplifts etc, I'd rather a proper full face. I don't mind my D3 on the odd occaison that I ride at BPW...feel happier with it at places like Revo.
I'm not anti lightweight removalable full face helmets, especially after smashing my face up a few times trail riding, but for uplifts etc, I'd much rather a proper full face.
The super 3 has been replaced by the super DH, as it's now DH certified.
CRC has it on offer this week for £160: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bell-super-dh-mips-helmet-2018/rp-prod167213
I have a switchblade. I like it. It's useful to wear in the 'slightly more protection than a normal helmet' mode for certain places but also good to have the chin guard for Alps, finale etc. I think it depends on your riding as well. The switchblade is also like a normal helmet from a construction point of view so a decent knock and it would need replacing whereas it sounds like with your old full face it had a few decent knocks but kept on trucking.
I have both a 661 full face and a Bell super 2. The Bell gets most use without the guard as my regular trail helmet. The 661 is the default choice for uplift, unless it's really hot when I might use the Bell with chin guard as it's much better vented. The Bell would be the choice if I was pedalling up and really felt the need for a full face, eg ganrly enduro riding / racing. I might take the chin guard off for the climb if it's a long one, though not really necessary. So in short they do slightly different jobs for me.
Unless you really want/need a removable chin guard (sounds like you don't based on saying it's mainly for uplifts) - go proper full face! This based on me destroying a Switchblade at Stiniog
I have switchblade for all the same reasons as gotama + the fact I have a silly shaped head and it fits me better than any other FF I've tried.
The super 3 has been replaced by the super DH, as it’s now DH certified.
CRC has it on offer this week for £160: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bell-super-dh-mips-helmet-2018/rp-prod167213
I like the look of the Copper/Black one.
Have they changed the sizing/fit - I tried a small and a medium in the previous version and the small was too small and the medium I couldn't get to stay put with the chin guard on.
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I have the Super DH linked to above - really good helmet IMO. Much more like a 'proper' full face than the previous Bell efforts, not really much heavier/warmer than a 'normal' helmet but has the option to remove the chinguard when not needed which for me is easily more than 50% of the time.
CRC price is good!
IMO..
get a proper full face....
I have a bell super dh, this is my principle trail lid, i take the chin bar when I go on rides that i expect to go after some big/steep/hard etc downs.
I have a proper FF for uplift stuff.
I base this on my perception that the proper FF will be more durable, and little knocks can be shrugged off, when a little knock on the bell super would be more likely to write off the helmet.
yes, I know any small bang and you should replace any helmet, but really, who does that!? 😉
Ive got a proper but cheaper FF for the less often DH's....
Ive got a Super 3R I use when I'm pedalling uphill ...with/without chin guard depending.
I base this on my perception that the proper FF will be more durable, and little knocks can be shrugged off, when a little knock on the bell super would be more likely to write off the helmet.
Additionally the cheaper FF is 1/3rd the price of the Bell Super.... (Bought in sales)
yes, I know any small bang and you should replace any helmet, but really, who does that!?
Well no ... but when I take a significant knock I will.... whereas the Super 3 I'd be far more reluctant.
Have they changed the sizing/fit – I tried a small and a medium in the previous version and the small was too small and the medium I couldn’t get to stay put with the chin guard on.
The fit changed after the 2R for sure, so if it was that generation you tried on, it is definitely different now.
Have either of you with the Super DH had a Super 3 or 2 previously? I smashed my 3R 2 weeks ago and was going to just replace the main part of the lid for £130, as the chinbar is fine (I didn't have it on at the time), however with the price above I'm wondering about just spending £30 much for a Super DH, just slightly concerned that it might be OTT for 90% of my riding, which is done without the chinbar on.